Discussion
Hello
Would I be very foolish to buy one of these ageing BMW 630s? They seem to be available for £4K upwards and the v8 seem even better value. Always fancied one despite their marmite looks and thinking of getting one for the commute when we are allowed back in the office. I live in Bristol and with the diesel ban on the horizon I need to get a petrol. If I picked one up for about £5k with over 100k on the clock and kept a few K for some bills would I get a few years out of one of these do you think? I’ve found one for 4K, was 5k in Chepstow with 125k on the clock, appears to have £3000s of recent bills , including a water pump and vanos work. Foolish? Cheap for a reason? Still a £50k car so I know it won’t be cheap to run but seems better value than a 3 series at the same prices.
Would I be very foolish to buy one of these ageing BMW 630s? They seem to be available for £4K upwards and the v8 seem even better value. Always fancied one despite their marmite looks and thinking of getting one for the commute when we are allowed back in the office. I live in Bristol and with the diesel ban on the horizon I need to get a petrol. If I picked one up for about £5k with over 100k on the clock and kept a few K for some bills would I get a few years out of one of these do you think? I’ve found one for 4K, was 5k in Chepstow with 125k on the clock, appears to have £3000s of recent bills , including a water pump and vanos work. Foolish? Cheap for a reason? Still a £50k car so I know it won’t be cheap to run but seems better value than a 3 series at the same prices.
I'll start by admitting I have never even sat in one!
Anyway there are 2 versions of engine in the 630, the earlier ones have an N52 and around 2007 it was replaced with the N53 engine which makes a bit more power and has lower emissions so when you are looking that's the easiest way to tell which one the car has.
However I have had 4 BMWs with N52 engines, a 325i, 2 Z4 Coupes and currently a 330i. I specifically wanted an N52 version because they seem to have fewer problems than the later N53 Direct Injection engine which can have issues with injectors, High Pressure Fuel Pumps and coking up.
The N52s can have issues with oil leaks around the filter housing and cam-cover but other than that they seem pretty solid even at higher mileages - my 325i had done 139K when I sold it and still drove really well. And with a 7,000 rpm red-line they can be fun when you let them rev!
Both engines have electric water pumps, so like anything electric they just stop working and the engine will overheat in about a mile (I've had 2 go on mine). The pumps cost £300 (or over £500 from BMW) so finding a car that has had one replaced is a bonus. They can fail after 60K or still be going strong at 90K and there are no warning signs unlike mechanical pumps which tend to leak when they are getting worn.
I hope that is of some help, and hope you find one you like.
Anyway there are 2 versions of engine in the 630, the earlier ones have an N52 and around 2007 it was replaced with the N53 engine which makes a bit more power and has lower emissions so when you are looking that's the easiest way to tell which one the car has.
However I have had 4 BMWs with N52 engines, a 325i, 2 Z4 Coupes and currently a 330i. I specifically wanted an N52 version because they seem to have fewer problems than the later N53 Direct Injection engine which can have issues with injectors, High Pressure Fuel Pumps and coking up.
The N52s can have issues with oil leaks around the filter housing and cam-cover but other than that they seem pretty solid even at higher mileages - my 325i had done 139K when I sold it and still drove really well. And with a 7,000 rpm red-line they can be fun when you let them rev!
Both engines have electric water pumps, so like anything electric they just stop working and the engine will overheat in about a mile (I've had 2 go on mine). The pumps cost £300 (or over £500 from BMW) so finding a car that has had one replaced is a bonus. They can fail after 60K or still be going strong at 90K and there are no warning signs unlike mechanical pumps which tend to leak when they are getting worn.
I hope that is of some help, and hope you find one you like.
Am thinking of doing something similar. 
They look great and have aged well. Much more luxurious inside than the 3 Series.
You might find this thread useful
V8s, especially the 645 have valve stem issues as well as a leaking coolant pipe. Both are £££ as labour intensive. Seemingly they are also a case of 'when' rather than if. 650 better, but still prone.
630 probably safest bet. There's a transition from N52 to N53 in 07/08. N53s will have the same injector/coil/plug issues they have in the E90s etc.
A lot are on 19s = expensive tyres, especially if run flats. Suspension + brakes also on the pricey side. They are also physically big cars. Rear leg room is er..interesting. Shame given they are such big cars.
Having looked at quite a few on Autotrader, must admit not that many have 'great' spec. Xenons & climate are standard. Almost all have pro nav. Most have heated seats. Not that many have the panoramic roof or Logic7 HiFi. Active steering or HUD seems rare.
PH E63 Buying guide here: https://www.pistonheads.com/news/general/bmw-6-ser...
Good luck!
They look great and have aged well. Much more luxurious inside than the 3 Series.You might find this thread useful
V8s, especially the 645 have valve stem issues as well as a leaking coolant pipe. Both are £££ as labour intensive. Seemingly they are also a case of 'when' rather than if. 650 better, but still prone.
630 probably safest bet. There's a transition from N52 to N53 in 07/08. N53s will have the same injector/coil/plug issues they have in the E90s etc.
A lot are on 19s = expensive tyres, especially if run flats. Suspension + brakes also on the pricey side. They are also physically big cars. Rear leg room is er..interesting. Shame given they are such big cars.
Having looked at quite a few on Autotrader, must admit not that many have 'great' spec. Xenons & climate are standard. Almost all have pro nav. Most have heated seats. Not that many have the panoramic roof or Logic7 HiFi. Active steering or HUD seems rare.
PH E63 Buying guide here: https://www.pistonheads.com/news/general/bmw-6-ser...
Good luck!
Thank you both for the detailed responses. I too have not actually sat in one! I started looking at c30 T5 but they appear to be rare. The 6 series has lots available
By the sounds of it I need to look out for the N52 Engine in the earlier 630 examples. Im not worried on the slightly lower power or the VED price. I have a xc90 in the high VED at £555 or so so I'm use to paying that! Although two in that band may be a bit daft...... but that's only two A4 1.4 TFSI Lease payments right!!?
I need to look for oil leaks in the N52 and ask about the electric water pumps.
The spec statement I also believe to be true. All have leather, widescreen sat nav but very little else. Id want one with decent headlights, not candles for headlights and I really do like a good Hi Fi and it does not look like something you can upgrade in Halfords so Ill need to find one with the uprated stereo. a HUD would be nice too. A V8 would be nice but I normally do between 15 and 20K miles a year so I think a V8 would not make economic sense for me. Although I have several other cars so I could swap between that a my old Focus a few days a week.
Ive had 1 Series with RFT and Ive had Audis with 19 an 20 inch wheel so I suspect a combination of that would be terrible. They appear to come on 17s as standard and the ones Ive looked at have got non RFT so I think that would be a good combination.
What is the gearbox like, Ive seen some Manuals on the 630s. More suited to the Auto?
Thanks
By the sounds of it I need to look out for the N52 Engine in the earlier 630 examples. Im not worried on the slightly lower power or the VED price. I have a xc90 in the high VED at £555 or so so I'm use to paying that! Although two in that band may be a bit daft...... but that's only two A4 1.4 TFSI Lease payments right!!?
I need to look for oil leaks in the N52 and ask about the electric water pumps.
The spec statement I also believe to be true. All have leather, widescreen sat nav but very little else. Id want one with decent headlights, not candles for headlights and I really do like a good Hi Fi and it does not look like something you can upgrade in Halfords so Ill need to find one with the uprated stereo. a HUD would be nice too. A V8 would be nice but I normally do between 15 and 20K miles a year so I think a V8 would not make economic sense for me. Although I have several other cars so I could swap between that a my old Focus a few days a week.
Ive had 1 Series with RFT and Ive had Audis with 19 an 20 inch wheel so I suspect a combination of that would be terrible. They appear to come on 17s as standard and the ones Ive looked at have got non RFT so I think that would be a good combination.
What is the gearbox like, Ive seen some Manuals on the 630s. More suited to the Auto?
Thanks
Edited by oldaudi on Tuesday 26th May 09:49
I'll follow this thread with interest as I too fancy one of these, though with an E92 M3 I have no need for one!
Others will be far more familiar with these, though having followed the E91 bearding thread as has been said the N52 does seem far more reliable. In addition I'm working my way through old Evo's at the moment and all the iterations it was in (1, 3 and 6 series, possibly more), in period the reviews are very enthusiastic noting just how light it was (lightest 6 cylinder at the time I think) and how enthusiastic it revved - you could argue it'll be your last opportunity to enjoy a naturally aspirated straight six in a BM so best do so whilst you can.
Having looked on and off for a couple of years apparently cherished ones do appear with full BM service history, though they're often more muted colours silver/grey with tan leather, though that'd be my preference.
Best of luck, cheers.
Others will be far more familiar with these, though having followed the E91 bearding thread as has been said the N52 does seem far more reliable. In addition I'm working my way through old Evo's at the moment and all the iterations it was in (1, 3 and 6 series, possibly more), in period the reviews are very enthusiastic noting just how light it was (lightest 6 cylinder at the time I think) and how enthusiastic it revved - you could argue it'll be your last opportunity to enjoy a naturally aspirated straight six in a BM so best do so whilst you can.
Having looked on and off for a couple of years apparently cherished ones do appear with full BM service history, though they're often more muted colours silver/grey with tan leather, though that'd be my preference.
Best of luck, cheers.
Just spoke to a dealer in Chepstow and the one I wanted to look at has gone. Bugger. One in Swindon but paint work on the photos looks terrible. Looks like it’s been washed with a stone. I know it’s a 14 year old car and if I want a clean one , buy new etc but it looks really bad. Might take a look tho!
I had a 2005 645ci Auto Convertible for a week a few years back; a colleague asked me to sell it for him. Very (very) refined, everything worked, nice noise from the standard exhausts when you gave it the beans... just lovely. It was a wide car though (although probably similar to my current 5 series) and very thirsty (but worth it). Rear legroom is tight, it's a 2+2 after all.
In a car like this I reckon the auto box is a must. My opinion only.
In a car like this I reckon the auto box is a must. My opinion only.
oldaudi said:
Thank you both for the detailed responses. I too have not actually sat in one! I started looking at c30 T5 but they appear to be rare. The 6 series has lots available
By the sounds of it I need to look out for the N52 Engine in the earlier 630 examples. Im not worried on the slightly lower power or the VED price. I have a xc90 in the high VED at £555 or so so I'm use to paying that! Although two in that band may be a bit daft...... but that's only two A4 1.4 TFSI Lease payments right!!?
I need to look for oil leaks in the N52 and ask about the electric water pumps.
The spec statement I also believe to be true. All have leather, widescreen sat nav but very little else. Id want one with decent headlights, not candles for headlights and I really do like a good Hi Fi and it does not look like something you can upgrade in Halfords so Ill need to find one with the uprated stereo. a HUD would be nice too. A V8 would be nice but I normally do between 15 and 20K miles a year so I think a V8 would not make economic sense for me. Although I have several other cars so I could swap between that a my old Focus a few days a week.
Ive had 1 Series with RFT and Ive had Audis with 19 an 20 inch wheel so I suspect a combination of that would be terrible. They appear to come on 17s as standard and the ones Ive looked at have got non RFT so I think that would be a good combination.
What is the gearbox like, Ive seen some Manuals on the 630s. More suited to the Auto?
Thanks
N52 oil leaks probably an inevitability but otherwise pretty solid.By the sounds of it I need to look out for the N52 Engine in the earlier 630 examples. Im not worried on the slightly lower power or the VED price. I have a xc90 in the high VED at £555 or so so I'm use to paying that! Although two in that band may be a bit daft...... but that's only two A4 1.4 TFSI Lease payments right!!?
I need to look for oil leaks in the N52 and ask about the electric water pumps.
The spec statement I also believe to be true. All have leather, widescreen sat nav but very little else. Id want one with decent headlights, not candles for headlights and I really do like a good Hi Fi and it does not look like something you can upgrade in Halfords so Ill need to find one with the uprated stereo. a HUD would be nice too. A V8 would be nice but I normally do between 15 and 20K miles a year so I think a V8 would not make economic sense for me. Although I have several other cars so I could swap between that a my old Focus a few days a week.
Ive had 1 Series with RFT and Ive had Audis with 19 an 20 inch wheel so I suspect a combination of that would be terrible. They appear to come on 17s as standard and the ones Ive looked at have got non RFT so I think that would be a good combination.
What is the gearbox like, Ive seen some Manuals on the 630s. More suited to the Auto?
Thanks
Xenons + climate + cruise are standard on the 6.
Apparently the standard stereo isn't that bad, but of course the Logic7 is better.
Personally I'm wary about things like active steering or the dynamic suspension stuff. Probably more things to go wrong and if rare options, may be harder to get parts etc.
RFT not that bad. Wife has them on her E91 330i (18s) and since changing from the OE Bridgestones to Goodyear Eagle F1s, much better ride, less tramlining etc.
I assume the auto is the same as on the E9X. 6 speed. Seems decent. I actually find my wife's 330i a relaxing drive with the auto. I think it suits the 6 Series.
acme said:
Having looked on and off for a couple of years apparently cherished ones do appear with full BM service history, though they're often more muted colours silver/grey with tan leather, though that'd be my preference.
Black with cream (or the red) interior for me.oldaudi said:
Looking at one later. 630 auto registered in December 2006..... dealer just sent me a video and it looks ok for the price! Wish me luck
Good luck! When are you viewing?Well that was a shame. 80 mile round trip to look at metallic black 630i 2006. First impressions looked good, couldve done with a clean so I could actually see what I was dealing with. Covered in the sand from the recent rain we’ve had. Had a good look round. Started the engine walked to the back of the car and within 10 seconds the exhaust was red hot and stank of burning oil. I mean surface of the sun hot not just warm. Under neath there was clearly something dripping. Couldn’t reach to see if it was coolant or oil. Took it for a drive because I’ve never driven a 6 cylinder BMW. Drove well. Pulled, stopped, no weird noises. Took it back and they agreed to look at the leak if I wanted it. Looked around the back to go into the boot and wiped some dust off. Clearly been re-sprayed at some point , or rather, paint thrown on it and left to dry in a sand storm. Terrible. Tobacco roll up in the storage areas and leaves from what looked like last autumn in the boot. One key. I guess this is what you get at this end of the market. I’ll keep looking and add a few k to the budget. The know I’m not going to get something great at this age but at least present the car be sold.
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|https://thumbsnap.com/kSH5rrEo[/url][url]
[url]|https://thumbsnap.com/kSH5rrEo[/url][url]Edited by oldaudi on Tuesday 26th May 18:06
Edited by oldaudi on Tuesday 26th May 18:07
£4K!!...... the leak I could've would've lived with. Possible fixed at that garage or afterwards. But I couldn't deal with the respray. I do like to look after my cars, every time I washed it I would see it and feel it. Would drive me mad! Walked away and thought if I really need a good one Ill be looking into the 6 to 7K band. Which is fine, Ill keep looking, No rush!
oldaudi said:
£4K!!...... the leak I could've would've lived with. Possible fixed at that garage or afterwards. But I couldn't deal with the respray. I do like to look after my cars, every time I washed it I would see it and feel it. Would drive me mad! Walked away and thought if I really need a good one Ill be looking into the 6 to 7K band. Which is fine, Ill keep looking, No rush!
Once you start looking at 6-7k for the 630s, you can be much more picky. At that price point, HUD, panoramic roof etc.In fact here's a poster who did just that: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Worth noting, he might be selling his (if you look at his most recent posts)
I had a 2009 E63 630i Sport a couple of years ago which had the HUD and Pan Roof. Both options were absolutely fantastic. The engine was great although at about 88k, the injectors went. Luckily, it was under BMW warranty so they replaced all injectors plus the Nox sensor (and a couple of other bits).
Then something went wrong with the rear fog lights so the whole units had to be replaced. Then the engine developed a leak which BMW diagnosed as a leaking gasket so they replaced that. Unfortunately, the leak came back but they could not figure out where it was coming from which was not very helpful. Coupled with a super annoying passenger seat squeak, I got rid. I kept an eye on it though and saw it got sold within a couple of days the new garage advertising it.
So did it put me off buying another N53 / E63? No! After a long search (and holding out for the best spec I wanted with full BMW service history), I found a Carbon Black 2010 E64 with 65k miles which had options like adaptive xenon’s plus the upgraded sound system and soft close doors. Whilst no pan roof obviously, it sadly did not have HUD which is the one thing I miss from my E63!
They are awesome cars and can be great at being lazy when you want it to be but when pushed, sounds fantastic in my opinion (not as nice as the N52 though!).
Here is mine after spending 3 days on paint correction:
Good luck with your search.
Then something went wrong with the rear fog lights so the whole units had to be replaced. Then the engine developed a leak which BMW diagnosed as a leaking gasket so they replaced that. Unfortunately, the leak came back but they could not figure out where it was coming from which was not very helpful. Coupled with a super annoying passenger seat squeak, I got rid. I kept an eye on it though and saw it got sold within a couple of days the new garage advertising it.
So did it put me off buying another N53 / E63? No! After a long search (and holding out for the best spec I wanted with full BMW service history), I found a Carbon Black 2010 E64 with 65k miles which had options like adaptive xenon’s plus the upgraded sound system and soft close doors. Whilst no pan roof obviously, it sadly did not have HUD which is the one thing I miss from my E63!
They are awesome cars and can be great at being lazy when you want it to be but when pushed, sounds fantastic in my opinion (not as nice as the N52 though!).
Here is mine after spending 3 days on paint correction:
Good luck with your search.
oldaudi said:
Thank you for another good comment. Seems that there are some cherished examples out there. By increasing my budget to 7 to 8 I can see some facelift 630 and those v8s look even better! I’ll come back when I’ve looked at some others....
I will reply in detail tomorrow as a 630i owner and as someone who looked at pretty much every single one for sale from one end of the country to the next. I have a sneaky site which will give you the VIN from registration number and allow you to check options on VIN decoder before traveling to view. Good luck, they are fantastic cars to own.
acme said:
I'll follow this thread with interest as I too fancy one of these, though with an E92 M3 I have no need for one!
Others will be far more familiar with these, though having followed the E91 bearding thread as has been said the N52 does seem far more reliable. In addition I'm working my way through old Evo's at the moment and all the iterations it was in (1, 3 and 6 series, possibly more), in period the reviews are very enthusiastic noting just how light it was (lightest 6 cylinder at the time I think) and how enthusiastic it revved - you could argue it'll be your last opportunity to enjoy a naturally aspirated straight six in a BM so best do so whilst you can.
Having looked on and off for a couple of years apparently cherished ones do appear with full BM service history, though they're often more muted colours silver/grey with tan leather, though that'd be my preference.
Best of luck, cheers.
Well although you may have no need of one, you seem to like the idea anyway! Others will be far more familiar with these, though having followed the E91 bearding thread as has been said the N52 does seem far more reliable. In addition I'm working my way through old Evo's at the moment and all the iterations it was in (1, 3 and 6 series, possibly more), in period the reviews are very enthusiastic noting just how light it was (lightest 6 cylinder at the time I think) and how enthusiastic it revved - you could argue it'll be your last opportunity to enjoy a naturally aspirated straight six in a BM so best do so whilst you can.
Having looked on and off for a couple of years apparently cherished ones do appear with full BM service history, though they're often more muted colours silver/grey with tan leather, though that'd be my preference.
Best of luck, cheers.
I bought my manual E90 330i with the N52 engine last year and it has the glass sunroof - and yes, it goes pretty well!
But as for the last opportunity to enjoy a naturally aspirated BMW straight 6 my Z4M Coupe does that better, even if it is a bit heavier.
Happy hunting OP.
The build quality is great, I did 40k in a 635d and it was effortless. It also felt a much better made car than the 640d I replaced it with. So much so that I’ve now sold the newer model and looking for a clean late earlier version.
This is worth a quick watch if your after a 6
https://youtu.be/CaHup6viPIU
This is worth a quick watch if your after a 6
https://youtu.be/CaHup6viPIU
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